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Tuesday, May 1, 2007

The 13th King of Malaysia


The Sultan of Terengganu, Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Wathiqu Billah Al-Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Almarhum Al-Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah Al-Haj was installed as the new King of Malaysia in an elaborate ceremony yesterday. He is now the 13th King of Malaysia.


Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin became the youngest Malay ruler when he ascended the Terengganu throne at the age of 36. He was crowned the 17th Sultan of Terengganu on May 15, 1998.


He was the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong from April 26, 1999, till he was elected by he Conference of Rulers to succeed Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail (the Raja of Perlis) on Dec 13, 2006, for a five-year term following a rotation system established since Independence.


The installation ceremony was a glittering affair, which blended many aspects of the Malay-Muslim culture and traditions.


There were several elaborate stages to the ceremony, which was witnessed by the Sultans and Governors of the states, ministers, ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic missions in Malaysia and leaders of political parties.


Invitation to the ceremony was a highly restricted and exclusive exercise, which is under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister’s Department. This year, 10 events have been organised to commemorate the installation, and involves all levels of society whereby the King and Queen meet with Cabinet Ministers, VIPs, orphans and the rakyat.


The Prime Minister’s Office and the Istana Negara handle the protocol and ceremonial aspects of the ceremony. From etiquette to be practised by attending guests when they are honoured by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s presence, to seating and security arrangements during the ceremony, both parties certainly have their hands full.



The installation ceremony proceeding



The Agong's installation ceremony were held yesterday. Guests took their places, and accompanied by traditional nobat music, the Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong entered the Balairong Seri (Throne Room).


They were preceded by the Grand Chamberlain of Istana Negara (Datuk Paduka Maharaja Lela), and the Penjawat, who carried the Cogan Alam (Sceptre of the universe) and Cogan Agama (Sceptre of Religion), accompanied by palace courtiers.


A sword, keris, cokmar (Royal Mace), sundang and spear were brought into the room.


The nobat played Raja Berangkat (loosely translated as the arrival of the King and is Queen), signalling the royal arrival, and guests stood to demonstrate their respect to the new King and Queen.


The moment the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Raja Permaisuri Agong were seated on the throne, the Grand Chamberlain and other royal courtiers settled into their respective places in the Throne Room.


Then the Grand Chamberlain sought permission (“merafak sembah”) from the Yang di- Pertuan Agong to bring in the Alat-alat Kebesaran Istiadat Pertabalan (the instruments of Royal Installation) to the Balairong Seri.


He left the room, and together with the Datuk Penghulu Istiadat (The Protocol Officer) and the Religious Officer of the Palace, the instruments were brought in.
They consisted of the Holy Quran, the Keris Kerajaan (Keris of State), Letter of Proclamation and The Oath of Office.


The Grand Chamberlain presented the Holy Quran to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who rose from his throne; took and kissed it and then placed it on a special table between the King and Queen.


The Grand Chamberlain took a few steps back, bow to the King, and invited the Prime Minister of Malaysia to read the Letter of Proclamation to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.


The Prime Minister then presented himself to the King with a sembah (salute) before reading out the letter. When that was over, the Prime Minister returned to his seat, the Datuk Panglima Istiadat took the Keris Kerajaan (Keris of State) and accompanied the Grand Chamberlain to present the item to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.


His Majesty unsheathed the keris and kissed it, before placing it on the table. The Grand Chamberlain stepped down to take the Oath of Office, and then offered it to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who then read the oath.


When the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has completed reading the oath, and returned the oath to the Grand Chamberlain, the nobat were sounded, which signified the King’s installation.
The Grand Chamberlain announced, Daulat Tuanku! (Long live the King!) three times, followed by the audience.


Twenty-one cannon blasts were fired, and the National Anthem, Negaraku, were played.
The last few moments of the ceremony were of equal importance. The Prime Minister came forward to present a congratulatory speech and pledge of loyalty from the government and the people of Malaysia.


He was shown to his seat, and the Grand Chamberlain and Datuk Penghulu Istiadat presented a tray bearing the scroll of His Majesty’s speech (Titah di-Raja). When His Majesty finished his speech, the Grand Chamberlain then asked for permission to announce that the Installation Ceremony is over. Their Majesties will take their leave after the announcement.


The festivities continued in the palace grounds with the royal couple being invited to inspect a march-past of the Armed Forces.


A grand luncheon followed the royal family, dignitaries, and other guests. Guests were also feted at a garden tea ceremony, whereby the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong met the well-wishers.


Later in the evening, a royal banquet were held to welcome and herald the new King and Queen of Malaysia.


Source from: Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry



Special Regalia for King's Installation


The Throne
The throne at Istana Negara’s Balairong Seri (Throne Room) was crafted and structured to blend motifs from the peninsula as well as Sabah and Sarawak. The motifs are coloured gold, to add regality and an imperial aura to the throne, and all the designs point upwards to indicate that all beings are created by Allah.


Royal Attire, Muskat
THE royal attire of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for the installation ceremony is the Muskat, which is the King’s Royal Dress. The origin of the Muskat can be traced to the ancient kingdom of Muscat, which is the present day Oman. Originally the Muskat was worn by government officials of Kedah. The Muskat was first worn in 1960, at the installation of the third Yang di-Pertuan Agong.


Tengkolok
LIKE the Muskat, the tengkolok (Royal Headdress) is among the symbols of power of the Malay Rulers. The tengkolok is black and intricately woven with gold threads and folded according to the Negri Sembilan-style Dendam Tak Sudah. Affixed at the front of the headwear is a crescent-shaped ornament and a 14-pointed star. At the centre of the star is the crest of the Malaysian Government.


Royal Buckle
The Pending or Royal Buckle is made of pure gold and decorated with 11 rubies. There is an engraved centrepiece featuring the Federation Crest. The belt is made of heavy ribbed silk and embroidered with floral motifs in gold thread. The keris is among the Royal Regalia worn by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. There are two – the Keris Pendek di-Raja and Keris Panjang di-Raja. Keris Pendek di-Raja is the short keris made from the steel blades of older keris. It has an ivory hilt and gold-decorated sheath. The hilt is called Hulu Pekaka and shaped like the head of the legendary Garuda bird. The Federation Crest is embossed on the crosspiece of the sheath, Keris Panjang di-Raja, the long keris, symbolises power and authority. Its hilt and sheath are coated with gold and it is made from the blades of 11 other keris.


Gendik, Kalung
The Gendik di-Raja or Royal Tiara is worn by the Raja Permaisuri Agong during royal ceremonies and on the day of installation. The Gendik is made of platinum and studded with diamonds. It is so designed that it can be separated to form a locket and two brooches. The Kalung di-Raja or Royal Necklace is made of platinum and studded with diamonds. The kalung can be separated into a pair of earrings, brooches and kerabu (ornament for the ears).


Maces
The Cogan Alam (Mace of the Universe) is part of the Royal Regalia. This silver mace symbolises power and is 162.66cm long. It consists of an orb mounted on a long shaft. The orb has a crescent and an 11-pointed gold star sitting on it. Around the centre of the orb, the crests of the 11 states of Malaya are embossed in gold. The orb is supported by four tigers while the shaft itself is decorated with six padi stalks carved in gold. The 155.04cm long Cogan Agama (Mace of Religion) is also made of silver. It consists of a large conical-shaped head with a golden five-pointed star mounted on a long shaft. Verses from the Holy Quran are embossed on the head and shaft.


Other Regalia
The Cokmar, or War Club, is another symbol of power and part of the panoply of authority of the Malaysian Government. The Cokmar are two in number and made of silver. Each is 81.32cm long and consists of a circular, fluted orb made of plain silver and mounted on a short shaft, also made of silver. The other Royal Regalia are the Pedang di-Raja (Royal Sword), and Sundang di-Raja (royal swordkeris). The Pedang and Sundang are traditional Malay weapons that have become symbols of royalty. They have silver-gilt hilts and sheaths. The Payung Uburubur Kuning (royal umbrella) are 20 in number and made of silver. Yellow symbolises royalty and is reserved for royal usage. At the top of the Royal Umbrella is an 11-pointed star and crescent. Tombak Berambu, also 20 in number, have blades with three curved indentations. They are made from ancient spears from the 11 states of peninsular Malaysia. The Nobat or Royal Musical Ensemble is a form of traditional Malay music. Only four states have the nobat – Kedah, Terengganu, Perak and Selangor.